By Alessi, Founder of Project Maria
I started researching traditional Filipino clothing in Grade 8 for a school project. I didn’t know then that it would lead me to start my own advocacy, Project Maria, or that I would eventually find myself walking through the Likhang HABI Market Fair last weekend (October 9-11) surrounded by the beautiful textiles and fascinating stories I had spent so much time reading about.
Now, at 15, I’m still learning, and that’s what made this Likhang HABI Market Fair so special. I could see, touch, and appreciate the details up close: the colors, patterns, and different ways Filipino textiles are made and used. With so many weavers, artisans, designers, and makers in one place, it felt less like looking at objects on display and more like getting to know the people and the communities behind them.
The 9th Lourdes Montinola Piña and 5th Eloiza Hizon Gomez Abaca Weaving Competition Awarding Ceremony
I was especially drawn to the entries in the 9th Lourdes Montinola Piña and Eloiza Hizon Gomez Abaca Weaving Competition. Piña has a personal connection to Project Maria because our logo is the red pineapple, inspired by the plant whose leaves are transformed into fine fibers and woven into piña cloth.
Seeing the skill and craftsmanship behind this process made our symbol feel even more meaningful to me. I also loved seeing our Philippine heritage textiles presented in ways that feel relevant today. They aren’t just part of our past or something we bring out for special occasions. They can be part of what we wear and use today, while still carrying the knowledge, traditions, and stories of the people who make them.
“Homecoming” Collection by Andrea Garcia
The fair also gave me a better understanding of how much work goes into keeping these traditions alive. It takes generations of knowledge, time, patience, and people who choose to continue practicing and sharing their craft. Every piece represents more than its finished design.
The Abaca Book Launch
It carries skills and stories that deserve to be understood, appreciated, and valued.
I was glad to see Likhang HABI Market Fair bring together so many parts of this story: the textiles themselves, the people who make them, and those finding new ways to wear and appreciate them. Having first discovered these traditions through research, experiencing them all in one place made everything I had been learning feel much more real.
I left Likhang HABI Market Fair with more questions than I arrived with, and I mean that in the best possible way. Project Maria began with my curiosity about traditional Filipino clothing, but this fair reminded me of just how much more there is to learn and discover. It also reinforced why I want to share these stories and help keep our heritage textiles more visible, appreciated, and valued.
Indeed, every thread has a story. I’m glad I got to spend a weekend listening to some of them.
